Independence Day Reads for Kids and Teens

What’s blue and white and read all over? Books, of course! Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh has a wide selection of print and digital titles to commemorate the Declaration of Independence of the United States on July 4, 1776.


Pick Five

This year’s Summer Reading at the Library is simple. We want everyone—especially kids and teens—to read five books. Here’s one kind of silly way to pick your five books: find books with “five” in the title, like the books featured in this Staff Picks.


Camping and Summer Camp

Here is a list of books to help you learn—or imagine—what your camping or summer camp experiences may be like. Happy camping! 



Gardening Tales

Reading stories about gardening, talking about what to grow and progressing through the growing process can help to expand a child’s vocabulary. The following books are a great way for children to learn a bit about gardening and to start a conversation about what would be fun to grow in your own garden (real or imaginary).


Cool Autistic Characters

Autism is one type of neurodivergence. These titles, ranging from picture books to middle-grade novels, feature nuanced autistic characters solving mysteries, navigating school and family life, and just being kids.


Girls Who Made a Difference

Making history isn’t just for grownups; kids can make their mark, too. Check out these titles and meet strong girls who stood up for the environment, civil rights and more.


The Witch Boy

“The Witch Boy” is a wonderful middle grade graphic novel about being true to yourself. In thirteen-year-old Aster’s family, all the girls are raised to be witches while boys grow up to be shapeshifters, and anyone who dares cross those lines is exiled. The trouble is, Aster is a boy and he would rather be a witch.


Cooking With Your Family

For great ideas on how to get started in cooking, check out these awesome books for kids and teens from Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh! 


Bisa Butler Inspired Fabric Collage

This year’s national Black History Month theme is: 2021- The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity. These resources dig into the work of Bisa Butler and other Black quilters, storytellers and fiber artists.